Hi guys, my names Nick and I used to be a member of the old 606 days(some of you may remember me) on the fulham forums. I actually watched and read a lot of comments and posts but have never really got involved until now, hence mayday and the Jol problem. Thought I would just like to cast my views to you guys and see what opinions we share.
For one, as Im sure most people do, I do believe Jol should go. I am a big fan of him as a manager and when he was appointed I was very happy and confident, but it seems within the last few months its not been the squad thats the problem, nor the players coming in, but Jol himself. I for one am a believer that the players need to buy into the philosophy of the manager and believe in but this seems to have deteriorated over the last few months and perhaps completely dissapeared sadly.
Having been a Fulham fan for a good 15 years or so(Im only 18 myself) I've been lucky enough to view the lows as well as the highs of the club. Although we have had many brilliant players in the past I do believe that this group of players we have at the moment are the best we have had during my lifetime of following Fulham. The likes of Berbatov(world-class in my opinion), Kasami(perhaps to become world-class), and Stekelenburg(world class) to be the backbone of the team is brilliant.
Looking through the squad my one point to which we are failing would be the general age of the squad. This has been in the media coverage a fair bit and I'm sure most Fulham fans would be encouraging and spurring on people to include the likes of Kaca and once Frei to play and be a part of the first team as much as they could have done. Although we do have a fantastic academy set up run by some very talented coaches that seem to be providing some cracking players(lets pray we hold onto them) I do feel that we also need to buy some youth to integrate into the squad rather than it to happen 5 years down the line to late.
Now, assuming that a majority want Jol out I for one would love no one other than Sean Dyche to be put into the head role of management. Some may feel that Meulensteen may be set up to take over the reigns if Jol does go but this is if Rene wouldn't feel comfortable doing so. I feel Sean is a brilliant manager who has done a stellar job at Burnley and I really feel he would suit the mould of Fulham, a likeable man who does the hard work.
Looking at the bookies for the odds on who could become the next manager, the top few listed are:
R.Di Matteo
B.Bradley
O.Solskjaer
T.Pulis
C.Coleman
I instantly would write off Pulis(time of writing seems like he is going to Crystal Palace) and Chris Coleman(although he's doing a good job with Wales I would rather not have him back for a second spell). I hardly think Fulham are an attractive propisition to Di Matteo, and hardly likely he would go on to manager Chelsea's local side, so would most likely write him off as well. This would leave Bob Bradley and Mr.Solskjaer. I personally wouldn't mind either, Ole is having great success with Molde in the Norweigan League while Bradley did lose his job for not qualifying for the WC2014 with Egypt, although his record with USA speaks for itself.
I have attended many of the games this season, including a dream start away to Sunderland(although we played s***) as well as Crystal Palace away and a majority of the home games, and I can tell you I haven't once really been impressed with the squad or the way they played this season. I do think Mr.Khan needs to start reaching into his pocket and signing players if we are to stay in the BPL, but on current form I cant see it myself and all I can see is a depressing season in the Championship in 14/15. Thats if things dont change.
If things were to change I do think we need a major reshuffle within the team. I feel the weak parts of our squad tend to be:
LB - Richardson is absolute poo and had a shocker against L'pool, while although I do like Briggs, he doesn't quite cut it to be playing as our first choice.
CM - Sidwell again doesn't cut the grade for me personally and needs to be replaced.
If we were looking at potential players to replace these two, I would draw up a list of names such as:
Mark Noble - Cracking player who we have been known to show interest for by making a few cheeky low bids but I feel he distributes the ball well while also having a decent tackle on him.
Steven N'Zonzi - He's Young!
But also a very accomplised tackler of the ball, he may have a bit of a temper but I feel he would also come at a fairly cheap price in today's market.
Anderson - Pricey option but seems to fallen out of favour with United, wages may kick but should get him cheap in transfer value and from what little I've seen on him would better our very own Iniesta(sigh)
Will Hughes - Very long shot but I am a massive fan of his and I do think he is going to be a brilliant player in a few years, and feel even though he would be expensive it would be worth the fee if he did come.
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Alexander Buttner(loan or permanent) - Great player, remember seeing him on his debut and he scored a screamer, may be a bit hefty in price but who cares about money in the situation we're in.
Jetro Willems - Very hopeful more than realistic but this kid is fantastic and has youth on his side, he does play for PSV but may well be tempted by the BPL.
Ryan Bertrand - (loan or permanent) - Again another player fallen out of favour at a large club and having played in the CL final is more than talented to play for us.
These are just a few names off the top of my head but needing these sort of players is vital if we are to improve and stay in the Premier League(how depressing does that sound)
Anyhow would love to hear your guys views and as a new user would like to get to know you guys and hopefully I'll write some more articles!
Cheers,
Nick.
For one, as Im sure most people do, I do believe Jol should go. I am a big fan of him as a manager and when he was appointed I was very happy and confident, but it seems within the last few months its not been the squad thats the problem, nor the players coming in, but Jol himself. I for one am a believer that the players need to buy into the philosophy of the manager and believe in but this seems to have deteriorated over the last few months and perhaps completely dissapeared sadly.
Having been a Fulham fan for a good 15 years or so(Im only 18 myself) I've been lucky enough to view the lows as well as the highs of the club. Although we have had many brilliant players in the past I do believe that this group of players we have at the moment are the best we have had during my lifetime of following Fulham. The likes of Berbatov(world-class in my opinion), Kasami(perhaps to become world-class), and Stekelenburg(world class) to be the backbone of the team is brilliant.
Looking through the squad my one point to which we are failing would be the general age of the squad. This has been in the media coverage a fair bit and I'm sure most Fulham fans would be encouraging and spurring on people to include the likes of Kaca and once Frei to play and be a part of the first team as much as they could have done. Although we do have a fantastic academy set up run by some very talented coaches that seem to be providing some cracking players(lets pray we hold onto them) I do feel that we also need to buy some youth to integrate into the squad rather than it to happen 5 years down the line to late.
Now, assuming that a majority want Jol out I for one would love no one other than Sean Dyche to be put into the head role of management. Some may feel that Meulensteen may be set up to take over the reigns if Jol does go but this is if Rene wouldn't feel comfortable doing so. I feel Sean is a brilliant manager who has done a stellar job at Burnley and I really feel he would suit the mould of Fulham, a likeable man who does the hard work.
Looking at the bookies for the odds on who could become the next manager, the top few listed are:
R.Di Matteo
B.Bradley
O.Solskjaer
T.Pulis
C.Coleman
I instantly would write off Pulis(time of writing seems like he is going to Crystal Palace) and Chris Coleman(although he's doing a good job with Wales I would rather not have him back for a second spell). I hardly think Fulham are an attractive propisition to Di Matteo, and hardly likely he would go on to manager Chelsea's local side, so would most likely write him off as well. This would leave Bob Bradley and Mr.Solskjaer. I personally wouldn't mind either, Ole is having great success with Molde in the Norweigan League while Bradley did lose his job for not qualifying for the WC2014 with Egypt, although his record with USA speaks for itself.
I have attended many of the games this season, including a dream start away to Sunderland(although we played s***) as well as Crystal Palace away and a majority of the home games, and I can tell you I haven't once really been impressed with the squad or the way they played this season. I do think Mr.Khan needs to start reaching into his pocket and signing players if we are to stay in the BPL, but on current form I cant see it myself and all I can see is a depressing season in the Championship in 14/15. Thats if things dont change.
If things were to change I do think we need a major reshuffle within the team. I feel the weak parts of our squad tend to be:
LB - Richardson is absolute poo and had a shocker against L'pool, while although I do like Briggs, he doesn't quite cut it to be playing as our first choice.
CM - Sidwell again doesn't cut the grade for me personally and needs to be replaced.
If we were looking at potential players to replace these two, I would draw up a list of names such as:
Mark Noble - Cracking player who we have been known to show interest for by making a few cheeky low bids but I feel he distributes the ball well while also having a decent tackle on him.
Steven N'Zonzi - He's Young!
But also a very accomplised tackler of the ball, he may have a bit of a temper but I feel he would also come at a fairly cheap price in today's market.Anderson - Pricey option but seems to fallen out of favour with United, wages may kick but should get him cheap in transfer value and from what little I've seen on him would better our very own Iniesta(sigh)
Will Hughes - Very long shot but I am a massive fan of his and I do think he is going to be a brilliant player in a few years, and feel even though he would be expensive it would be worth the fee if he did come.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alexander Buttner(loan or permanent) - Great player, remember seeing him on his debut and he scored a screamer, may be a bit hefty in price but who cares about money in the situation we're in.
Jetro Willems - Very hopeful more than realistic but this kid is fantastic and has youth on his side, he does play for PSV but may well be tempted by the BPL.
Ryan Bertrand - (loan or permanent) - Again another player fallen out of favour at a large club and having played in the CL final is more than talented to play for us.
These are just a few names off the top of my head but needing these sort of players is vital if we are to improve and stay in the Premier League(how depressing does that sound)
Anyhow would love to hear your guys views and as a new user would like to get to know you guys and hopefully I'll write some more articles!
Cheers,
Nick.
cracking player nevertheless if you ask me...
